Isn’t education a wonderful thing? We often say that flippantly when we’ve just learnt something new – but it is true in so many ways.

Talkative children and adults indicate how easy it is to speak and to make oneself understood. What a contrast to those with speech and language difficulties – either children who were born with such difficulties or adults whose skill has been damaged following (e.g.) a Stroke.

Free access to schooling can cause us to take it for granted. What a contrast to the attitude seen in the villages of Africa where there is great excitement at the prospect of being at school, and great care given to even the most basic educational equipment.

The world of work requires greater and greater skills. Thank God that the brightest scholars at school or university are being stretched so that they reach their potential.

Indeed, thank God for everyone involved in the teaching of our children, the developing of our young adults, and the enriching of mature students. In this edition of Outlook the Education theme is clearly to be seen.

Please pray for everyone involved in the field of education - for the staff of the schools, colleges and churches with which we are linked; for the writers and broadcasters whose skill opens up new horizons for us; and for everyone who encourages us to become the people God wants us to be.